Rural fire officers are responding to a blaze at Marahau, near the base of the Abel Tasman National Park.
The fire was reported at about 1.45pm and two helictopters and several appliances were en route.
The local rural fire officer, Ian Reade, said it was still too early to get an idea of how severe it was but some residents were staying away as a precaution.
The area is popular with holidaymakers and tourists, both for camping and walking the Abel Tasman coastal track.
